Joe Ehrmann, Part II

by Julie Walton, Ph.D./Calvin College

Thanks to Bob T of Maryland for your comments re: Joe Ehrmann’s work in Maryland (see more about Joe at: Jeffry Marx’ book on Joe Ehrmann, “Seaon Of Life” ).  We are working hard here at Calvin not only to discuss these issues, but to begin sharing the insights we gain from our discussions with the wider community.  As for Joe Ehrmann’s visit here, his comments, his book, and his work with high school boys in Maryland, I don’t in any way fault his approach or his motive.  Others have also shared with me this week his very godly approach with his student-athletes.  That’s one thing that did not really come through very strongly in his message to our audience in the Fine Arts Center (which was PACKED!).  He hammered away at the need for love to be the guiding force behind the relationships that cemented players together as teammates, but did not expound on his basis for that love, other than that’s what boys are missing in today’s world.

As for needing many more Joes, and Marv Zuidemas and Kevin Vandestreeks, I can only say, “AMEN!”  We have so many wonderful examples of the sacrifice, service, and selfless work of these coaches and the countless lives they have impacted.  My deepest desire is for all of us in this vocation to begin taking a vocal stand on the issues of sport and culture that confront us today:  sport specialization at younger and younger ages; non-traditional seasons…